Metro Flex is Now in Overlake - Definitely a Flex!
By Maritza Lauriano
We are thrilled to share that King County Metro’s Metro Flex service is now available in the Overlake area! This new on demand pilot program makes it easier than ever to get around the Overlake area without needing a car. Metro Flex is available in various King County areas and trips can include taking you to doctors appointments, grocery runs, errands, etc – as long as it’s within the service area, Metro Flex will take you to your destination! Some key destinations you can reach using Overlake Metro Flex include:
- Overlake Light Rail Station
- Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center
- Interlake High School
How much does Metro Flex Cost? Metro Flex is an affordable way to get around with the cost being only $3 – the same as a metro bus fare! Youth ride free and, and you can use any type of ORCA card or Transit GO ticket to pay for your Metro Flex ride – isn’t that amazing? You simply let your driver know the mode of payment you will be using or there is also the option to pay for your ride using a debit/credit card that you linked to your account.
After learning more about Metro Flex, I decided to give it a try! After one of our recent Candidate Ride Along interviews (stay tuned for more!) I decided to go to Daiso at Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center to buy some desk organizing supplies. I had the Metro Flex app downloaded already and booked a ride within minutes. This definitely was a faster trip as I got picked up within 2 minutes of waiting, got dropped off at Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, walked over to Daiso, shopped around, and then took metro flex back to the 2 Line at Overlake Village to make my way Downtown Redmond. The whole trip was smooth, affordable, and quick!
How I booked my ride: I booked my ride at Overlake light rail station as my starting point and Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center as my destination. Once you confirm your trip, on the app it will let you know the following:
- Where your pick up location will be and waiting time – in my case, I had to walk over to 152nd Ave NE & NE Shen St and only waited 2 minutes
- Your drivers name
- Vehicle type and vehicle plates
Once you get in your Metro Flex, let your driver know your payment method and enjoy your ride!
Is Metro Flex mobility accessible? Yes, Metro Flex has vehicles that can accommodate wheelchair users or anyone with mobility needs. If you are a rider who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle, simply set this preference under the “fare/service type” section in your Metro Flex app profile or when requesting a ride.
The Metro Flex program in Overlake will be operating on a 2 year pilot program and will then be evaluated on whether to keep the service ongoing. We encourage everyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the Overlake area to give Metro Flex a chance!
For any more frequently asked questions check out Metro Flex website.
Check out our reel on our Metro Flex trip below: